The Cortesano Origen Toro represents a defining milestone for Havana House, a cigar created entirely in-house and born from a deeply personal vision led by Paresh. Developed through months of hands-on blending in the Dominican Republic, working closely alongside master blenders and skilled rollers, this cigar reflects dedication, patience, and a clear commitment to quality.
After extensive testing and refinement, the final blend emerged as a balanced, elegant expression designed to showcase craftsmanship and character. As Havana House’s first ground-up release, the Cortesano Origen Toro sets the benchmark for the brand’s future direction.
To make the review as fair as possible, I smoked five different unbanded toro cigars and wrote a review for each one. Only after completing the reviews was the identity of each cigar revealed.
This month, the Cortesano Origen Toro Cigar is our cigar of the month for February. Read our review below and be sure to order it this month to enjoy the cigar at our discounted price!
About the Cortesano Origen Toro Cigar
Blender: Paresh Patel
Factory: Dominican Republic
Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Corojo 99
Binder: Negro San Andrés (Mexico)
Filler: Corojo 99, Habano 20/20, Piloto Cubano, Corojo Original, Habano 92
Strength: Medium
Size: Toro (6″ x 52)
Reviewed by: Ross from the Windsor shop
The Beginning
The cigar opens smoothly at a medium strength with flavours of salted caramel, toasted nuts, and warm cedar. There is an immediate creaminess on the palate, supported by light baking spices and a subtle sweetness that feels rounded rather than sharp.
A gentle leather note begins to emerge, adding depth without overpowering the profile. The retrohale is soft and aromatic, showing mild white pepper, caramelised sugar, and a touch of citrus zest. The opening third feels polished and confident, setting a strong foundation.
The Middle
In the second third, the cigar develops more body and complexity. The sweetness shifts from caramel towards a drier, toffee-like note, while cedar and leather move into the foreground. Toasted nuts remain present, joined by light earth and a hint of cocoa. The smoke becomes slightly richer and more textured, maintaining excellent balance. The retrohale gains intensity, bringing pepper, wood, and refined spice that complements rather than distracts. Strength remains firmly medium and very controlled.
The End
The final third deepens further, with leather and cedar leading the profile. The sweetness fades slightly but remains in the background, now more reminiscent of dark sugar and dried fruit. Earth and spice become more pronounced, adding structure without harshness.
The cigar finishes clean and composed, never becoming bitter or overly dry. The retrohale remains engaging, offering warm wood, spice, and a lingering savoury note. Strength holds steady, making for a satisfying and elegant conclusion.
Burn & Draw
Construction is excellent throughout. The burn line is even and reliable, requiring no touch-ups, and the draw is effortless from start to finish. Smoke production is generous and consistent, reinforcing the premium feel of the cigar.
Overall
The Cortesano Origen Toro delivers a refined, balanced, and consistently enjoyable smoking experience. It combines creaminess, sweetness, and structure with evolving complexity across all thirds. This cigar feels thoughtful and deliberate, showcasing the care that went into its development. It is a confident debut that not only tells a strong story but fully delivers on flavour, construction, and overall satisfaction.
Ross Rating: 9/10
What alcoholic drink would I pair the Cortesano Origen Toro Cigar with?
Brugal 1888 Double Aged Dominican Rum (70cl / 40%) would make an excellent pairing with the Cortesano Origen Toro Cigar. The rich oak, vanilla, and dried fruit notes of Brugal 1888 complement the cigar’s caramel sweetness, leather, and cedar beautifully. The rum’s smooth double ageing mirrors the cigar’s balance and elegance, enhancing the creamy texture while reinforcing its warm spice and depth.
What soft drink would I pair the Cortesano Origen Toro Cigar with?
Fanta Orange (known as Country Club in the Dominican Republic). The bright citrus sweetness of Fanta Orange cuts cleanly through the cigar’s creaminess and leather, refreshing the palate and lifting the sweeter notes without overpowering the blend.
Would I smoke the Cortesano Origen Toro Cigar again?
Absolutely. This is a cigar I would happily return to for a relaxed evening or when I want something that feels special yet still approachable. I particularly like that you are smoking the format the cigar was originally blended for. Too many releases are offered in multiple sizes from the same blend, which can mean you are not always experiencing it as intended. This cigar has earned a regular place in the humidor, and I am genuinely looking forward to smoking it again.
